Angled Faceplates for a network element

ABSTRACT

A module for a networking node is disclosed. The module includes a Printed Circuit Board (“PCB”), one or more circuits mounted to the PCB and a faceplate. The faceplate includes a middle plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The first side plate extends from the middle plate at an obtuse angle relative to the middle plate towards a first side and back of the module. The second side plate extends from the middle plate, opposite to the first side plate, at an obtuse angle relative to the middle plate towards a second side and the back of the module.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to networking hardware. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods fora network element having Angled Faceplates.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Networks, data centers, cloud computing, and the like continues to grow.Equipment manufacturers must continue to deliver substantial continuousreductions in per-bit metrics related to cost, space, and power.Telecommunication, data communication, high-performance computing, andthe like systems are typically deployed in physical hardware shelves,chassis, rack-mounted units (“pizza boxes”), etc. that are mounted inracks or frames, freestanding, or the like. For example, typical racksor frames are either 19, 21, or 23 inches in practice. Various standardsassociated with racks or frames are described by Telecordia'sGR-63-CORE, “NEBS Requirements: Physical Protection” (April 2012),European Telecoms Standards Institute (ETSI), American National StandardInstitute (ANSI), etc. Physically, a node is referred to as a networkelement and can include a shelf or chassis with modules insertedtherein, a rack-mounted unit (“pizza box”), and the like. Note, a shelfor chassis includes modules that are selectively inserted forfunctionality, whereas a rack-mounted unit is an integrated device. Allsuch physical implementations are contemplated herein. All suchimplementations include a so-called faceplate that represents a front ofthe network element for accessing connections, ports, etc. The presentdisclosure utilizes the term module herein to refer to both aselectively insertable module in a chassis as well as a rack-mountedunit (“pizza box”). For a rack-mounted unit, the module may include theentire unit.

Current modules for network elements have flat faceplates that requirelong track lengths on the Printed Circuit Board (“PCB”), which oftenrequires re-timers, do not provide physical and visual segregation ofclient and fabric ports, and require long cable lengths, which oftenresult in the need for Active Electrical Cables (“AEC”) instead ofDirect Attach Copper (“DAC”) cables. That is, flat faceplates causelonger track lengths on the PCB for ports or connections located at theedges of the flat faceplate, relative to ports or connections located inthe middle of the flat faceplate.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, a module for a network node includes a PrintedCircuit Board (“PCB”), one or more circuits mounted to the PCB and afaceplate. The faceplate includes a middle plate, a first side plate,and a second side plate. The first side plate extends from the middleplate at an obtuse angle relative to the middle plate towards a firstside and back of the module. The second side plate extends from themiddle plate, opposite to the first side plate, at an obtuse anglerelative to the middle plate towards a second side and the back of themodule. Of note, the angle of the faceplate is utilized to reduce tracklengths on the PCB between ports on the first side plate and the secondside plate, to support high-speed signals.

In embodiments, the faceplate further includes a plurality of physicalports in each of the first side plate, and the second side plate. Insome embodiments, the faceplate further includes a plurality of physicalports in each of the middle plate, the first side plate, and the secondside plate. The plurality of physical ports in the middle plate are oneof fiber interface ports and client connection ports, and the pluralityof physical ports in the first side plate and the second side plate areanother of the fiber interface ports and the client connection ports.

In embodiments, the module further includes one or more circuitsdisposed on the PCB and associated track lengths on the PCB between theone or more circuits and the middle plate, the first side plate, and thesecond side plate.

In embodiments, the obtuse angle for each of the first side plate andthe second side plate relative to the middle plate is from about 130degrees to 160 degrees. The obtuse angle can be selected to reduce theassociated track lengths between i) the first side plate and the one ormore circuits and ii) the second side plate and the one or more circuits

In embodiments, the middle portion includes a flat central portionincluding physical ports that is sunken into the module relative toinner ends of the first side plate and the second side plate, and themiddle portion also includes stepped surfaces extending from the flatcentral portion respectively to the first side portion and the secondside portion.

In another embodiment, a module for a network node includes a PrintedCircuit Board (“PCB”), one or more circuits mounted to the PCB, and afaceplate. The faceplate is connected to the PCB and includes a middleplate, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The first side plateextends from the middle plate towards a first side and back of themodule. The second side plate extends from the middle plate, opposite tothe first side plate, towards a second side and the back of the module.The middle plate, the first side plate, and the second side plate formone of an acute trapezoidal shape and an acute trapezium shape, whenconsidering the module as a whole.

In embodiments, the faceplate further includes a plurality of physicalports in each of the first side plate and the second side plate. In someembodiments, the faceplate further includes a plurality of physicalports in each of the middle plate, the first side plate, and the secondside plate. The plurality of physical ports in the middle plate are oneof fiber interface ports and client connection ports, and the pluralityof physical ports in the first side plate and the second side plate areanother of the fiber interface ports and the client connection ports.

In embodiments, an angle by which each of the first side plate and thesecond side plate extend from the middle plate is selected to reduceassociated track lengths between i) the first side plate and the one ormore circuits and ii) the second side plate and the one or morecircuits.

In embodiments, an angle for each of the first side plate and the secondside plate relative to the middle plate is from about 130 degrees to 160degrees.

In embodiments, the middle portion includes a flat central portionincluding physical ports that is sunken into the module relative toinner ends of the first side plate and the second side plate, and themiddle portion also includes stepped surfaces extending from the flatcentral portion respectively to the first side portion and the secondside portion.

In a further embodiment, a node for a network includes a housing and aplurality of modules. The plurality of modules includes at least onemodule. The at least one module including a Printed Circuit Board(“PCB”), one or more circuits mounted to the PCB and a faceplate. Thefaceplate includes a middle plate, a first side plate, and a second sideplate. The first side plate extends from the middle plate at an obtuseangle relative to the middle plate towards a first side and back of themodule. The second side plate extends from the middle plate, opposite tothe first side plate, at an obtuse angle relative to the middle platetowards a second side and the back of the module.

In embodiments, the faceplate further includes a plurality of physicalports in each of the first side plate, and the second side plate. Insome embodiments, the faceplate further includes a plurality of physicalports in each of the middle plate, the first side plate, and the secondside plate. The plurality of physical ports in the middle plate are oneof fiber interface ports and client connection ports, and the pluralityof physical ports in the first side plate and the second side plate areanother of the fiber interface ports and the client connection ports.

In embodiments, the obtuse angle is selected to reduce the associatedtrack lengths between i) the first side plate and the one or morecircuits and ii) the second side plate and the one or more circuits. Inembodiments, at least two modules of the plurality of modules have adifferent shape for their associated faceplate. In embodiments, aportion of surface area of each of the first side plate and the secondside plate is utilized for ventilation.

In embodiments, at least two of the modules of the plurality of modulesinclude the faceplate, and wherein at least one of a configuration ofphysical ports, a configuration of lengths of the middle plate, thefirst side plate, and the second side plate, and a configuration of anangle between the middle plate and the first side plate and an anglebetween the middle plate and the second side plate is different betweenthe at least two of the modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein withreference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers areused to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a network element arranged as afabric system;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of the network element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of the network element arranged as apacket system;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective diagram of the network element of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of the network element arranged as acombination fabric and packet system;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective diagram of the network element of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of the network element arranged as apacket and universal system;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective diagram of the network element of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a network elementmodule arranged for fabric interconnects for the network elements ofFIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6;

FIG. 10A is a perspective diagram and FIG. 10B is a top perspectivediagram of another embodiment of a network element module arranged forfabric interconnects for the network elements of FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of a module arranged for both fabricinterconnects and client connections for the network element of FIGS.3-8;

FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of a module arranged for both fabricinterconnects and client connections for the platform of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of the network element of FIG. 5 with asunken middle plate;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective diagram of the module for the platform ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective diagram of a module for a flat faceplate;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective diagram of a module with side plates at afirst angle relative to the middle plate;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective diagram of a module with side plates at asecond angle relative to the middle plate

FIG. 18 is a top perspective diagram of a module with multiple circuitplacement on a PCB;

FIG. 19 is a p perspective diagram of a module with multiple circuitplacement on a PCB that limits routing around circuits;

FIG. 20 is a diagram of the module compared to the module illustratingthe angled faceplates of the module support shorter cable distances; and

FIG. 21 is a diagram of the module compared to the module illustratingthe angled faceplates of the module having increased surface area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems andmethods for a network element, a node, etc. in a network with anarrangement of modules, such as packet slots, fabric slots, anduniversal slots. One or more of the modules includes an angled faceplatewith one of a trapezoidal and a trapezium shape. The angled faceplateincludes a middle plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate.The first side plate and the second side plate each extend from themiddle plate at an obtuse angle, which forms the trapezoidal/trapeziumshape (when considering the module as a whole). Note, while described asa middle plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate, these“plates” can be integrally formed and can be different portions of theangled faceplate.

The angled faceplate increases a surface area of the faceplate,resulting in more area for one or more of physical ports and coolingholes. Further, the angles of the first and second side plates allow fora shorter length of cables for pluggable optics plugged into thephysical ports to be used. These shorter lengths can reduce the costs ofinstallation, particularly when DAC cables can be used instead of AECs.Further, the angled first and second side plates result in the cages(that hold the pluggable optics) being situated closer to the one ormore circuits. As such, track lengths (for the pluggable optics) fromthe cages to the one or more circuits are reduced. These reduced tracklengths can reduce the manufacturing costs, particularly when the tracklengths are short enough to reduce or remove the needs for re-timers onthe PCB.

In embodiments, the types of physical ports used are separated on thedifferent sections of the faceplate (middle plate, first side plate,second side plate), which provides visual and physical segregation ofthe pluggable optics in the faceplate. Again, of note, the angle of thefaceplate is utilized to reduce track lengths on the PCB between portson the first side plate and the second side plate, to support high-speedsignals. That is, the shape, geometry, configuration, etc. of thefaceplate described herein is based on the track lengths and ports onthe face plates.

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of the network element arranged as afabric system. FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of the networkelement of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of the networkelement arranged as a packet system. FIG. 4 is a front perspectivediagram of the network element of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspectivediagram of the network element arranged as a combination fabric andpacket system. FIG. 6 is a front perspective diagram of the networkelement of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of the networkelement arranged as a packet and universal system. FIG. 8 is a frontperspective diagram of the network element of FIG. 8. Referringgenerally to FIGS. 1-8, the network element 100 can be a shelf, asystem, etc. forming a node, etc. in a network. The network element 100can be a full-rack or a half-rack system or even a couple Rack Units(RU) high, such as a pizza box. The network element 100 is presented asan example for illustration purposes. Those skilled in the art willrecognize other physical embodiments are contemplated. That is, thepresent disclosure contemplates use with any hardware platform for anetwork element. The present disclosure utilizes the term module hereinto refer to both a selectively insertable module in a chassis as well asa rack-mounted unit (“pizza box”).

In an embodiment, the network element 100 is a network element thatconsolidates the functionality of a Multi-Service Provisioning Platform(MSPP), Digital Cross-Connect (DCS), Ethernet and/or Optical TransportNetwork (OTN) switch, Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) platform,etc. into a single, high-capacity intelligent switching system providingLayer 0, 1, and 2 consolidation. In another exemplary embodiment, thenetwork element 100 is any of an OTN Add/Drop Multiplexer (ADM), aSONET/SDH/OTN ADM, an MSPP, a DCS, an optical cross-connect, an opticalswitch, a router, a switch, a DWDM terminal, wireless backhaul terminal,an access/aggregation device, etc. That is, the network element 100 isany digital and/or optical system with ingress and egress signals andswitching therebetween of channels, timeslots, tributary units, packets,etc. utilizing OTN, SONET, SDH, Ethernet, IP, etc. In anotherembodiment, the network element 100 is a high-rate Ethernet switch. In afurther embodiment, the network element 100 is a DWDM terminal. In yetanother embodiment, the network element 100 is a compute, wireless,storage, or other type of hardware platform.

The network element 100 includes a housing 102 which can refer to anyshelf, rack, cabinet, case, frame, chassis, or other apparatus used toarrange and/or support a plurality of modules 110 that areelectronic/optical components such as removable cards, rack-mountedunits, including leaf-spine pizza boxes and chassis modules, and thelike.

The housing 102 may be metal, plastic, or combination, or other suitablematerial and similar in construction to other housings, cabinets and/orracks used to hold electronic/optical components in place. Further, thehousing 102 may be rack mounted in an ETSI, ANSI, etc. compliant rack orframe, as well as being deployed in a cabinet, etc. The housing 102includes a front where the modules 110 are received, sides adjacentthereto, and a back. The sides can be parallel to one another, while theback is oriented perpendicular to the sides.

The plurality of modules 110 include one or more of a fabric slot (referto FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6), a packet slot (refer to FIGS. 3-8), auniversal slot (refer to FIGS. 7 and 8), and the like. As can be seen inFIGS. 1-8, any combination of modules 110 can be used in the networkelement 100. FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of amodule 110 arranged for fabric interconnects for the network elements ofFIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6. FIG. 10A is a perspective diagram and FIG. 10B isa top perspective diagram of another embodiment of a network elementmodule 110 arranged for fabric interconnects for the network elements ofFIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10,the module 110 is a fabric slot. FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of amodule 110 arranged for both fabric interconnects and client connectionsfor the network elements of FIGS. 3-8. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11, the platform module 110 is a packet slot. FIG. 12 is aperspective diagram of a module arranged for both fabric interconnectsand client connections for the network element of FIGS. 7 and 8. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the module 110 is a universal slot,such as for a pluggable module that includes other functions besidesoptical connectivity.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-12, modules 110 are adapted to receivepluggable optical transceivers selectively (can also be called pluggableelectro-optical transceivers. Again, the modules 110 can be referred toas interface cards, line cards, line blades, I/O modules, etc. and canbe adapted to receive a plurality of optical modules in the front. Forexample, the optical modules can be pluggable modules such as, withoutlimitation, XFP, SFP, XENPAK, X2, CFP, CFP2, CFP4, QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28,OSFP, QSFP-DD, etc.). Further, the modules 110 can include a pluralityof optical connections per module. The modules 110 can includewavelength division multiplexing interfaces, short-reach interfaces, andthe like, and can connect to other modules 110 on remote networkelements, end clients, edge routers, and the like.

From a logical perspective, the modules 110 provide ingress and egressports to the network element 100, and each module 110 can include one ormore physical ports 114 and 116. The fabric slots are configured toswitch channels, timeslots, tributary units, packets, cells, etc.between the fabric and universal slots.

Each of the modules 110 includes a faceplate 115 with physical ports114, 116 therein. The physical ports 114, 116 can be fiber interfaceports 114, client connection ports 116, and the like. Cages 190 areconnected to the faceplate 115 and are adapted to receive pluggableoptics via the physical ports 114, 116.

The faceplate 115 includes a first side plate 120, a middle plate 130,and a second side plate 140. Each of the first side plate 120, themiddle plate 130, and the second side plate 140 being positioned at thefront of the network element 100. Referring to FIGS. 9-12, each of thefirst side plate 120 and the second side plate 140 extend from themiddle plate 130 at an obtuse angle, such that each of the first sideplate 120 and the second side plate 140 extends toward a respective sideand towards a back of the module 110 from the middle plate 130 (i.e.,the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 140 each slopes awayfrom the middle plate 130). In view of the obtuse angles between themiddle plate 130 and the first and second side plates 120, 140, inembodiments the faceplate 115 generally includes one of an acutetrapezoidal shape and an acute trapezium shape when viewed from abovewhere the base is formed by connecting the distal ends of the first andsecond side plates 120, 140. In embodiments, the first and second sideplates 120, 140 are symmetrical, and the faceplate 115 generallyincludes an isosceles trapezoidal shape. In these embodiments, themiddle pate 130 is parallel to the back of the module 110 and to theback of the network element 100, the back of each being opposite themiddle pate 130.

In embodiments, each of the angles between the first side plate 120 andthe middle plate 130 and the angle between the second side plate 140 andthe middle plate 130 is from about 130 degrees to 160 degrees. In theembodiment illustrated, each of the angles between the first side plate120 and the middle plate 130 and the angle between the second side plate140 and the middle plate 130 is about 130 degrees while the first andsecond plates 120 and 140 are at an about 45-degree angle relative tothe front of network element 100. In some embodiments, each of theangles between the first side plate 120 and the middle plate 130 and theangle between the second side plate 140 and the middle plate 130 isabout 160 degrees while the first and second plates 120 and 140 are atan about 30-degree angle relative to the front of network element 100.Other angles and configurations between the multiple plates 120, 130,140 of the faceplate 115 are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, each section of the faceplate 115, including thefirst side plate 120, the middle plate 130, and the second side plate140 includes physical ports 114, 116. In the module 110 of FIG. 9, eachof the first side plate 120, the middle plate 130 includes fiberinterface ports 114. In the module 110 of FIG. 11, the first side plate120 and the second side plate 140 each include fiber interface ports114, while the middle plate 130 includes client connection ports 116.While the fiber interface ports 114 are shown on the first and secondside plates 120, 140, in other embodiments, the orientation is switched,with the middle plate 140 including the fiber interface ports 114 andthe middle plate 130 including the client connection ports 116. Byseparating the types of physical ports 114, 116 by the different plateson the faceplate 115, both visual and physical segregation of physicalports 114, 116, such as the separation of fiber interface ports 114 fromclient connection ports 116 is easily obtained. In the embodimentillustrated, the cages 190 aligned with the physical ports 114, 116 eachextend perpendicular to the corresponding plate 120, 130, 140 that thecages 190 are connected to.

Other configurations are also contemplated. Indeed, in some embodiments,only the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 140 includephysical ports 114, 116, while the middle plate 130 does not include anyphysical ports 114 and 116. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10Aand 10B, the module 110 is a fabric slot, and each of the first sideplate 120 and the second side plate 140 include fiber interface ports114. The middle plate 130 includes cooling holes 112 to provide furthercooling for the module 110, i.e., ventilation.

In some embodiments, the physical ports are adapted to receive apluggable module, such as a control module, universal sub-slot module,and the like. In embodiments, these pluggable modules include angledfaceplates when adapted to be received in one of the first and secondside plates 120, 140, such that the face of the pluggable module isflush with the corresponding first or second side plate 120, 140. Inembodiments, the pluggable module includes a right trapezoidal shape tobe flush with the corresponding first or second side plate 120, 140.

Each module 110 also includes a PCB 117, one or more circuits 111, 118,and cages 190. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, theone or more circuits includes an Application-Specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs) with a heat sink 119. The faceplate 115 is connected toa front edge of the PCB 117, and the one or more circuits 111, 118 ismounted on and electrically connected to the PCB 117. The cages 190 areadapted for physical connection thereto and can include a heatexchanger, such as a heat sink or cold plate, for maintaining atemperature of the pluggable optics. The circuits 111, 118 perform somefunctionality and connect to the cages 190.

In embodiments, the fins of the heat sinks on the cages for cooling thepluggable optics are angled perpendicular to the middle plate 130, suchthat the fins on the cages 190 connected to the first side plate 120 andthe second side plate 140 are angled relative to the cages 190, such asbetween 30 to 45 degrees relative to sides of the cages 190. In theseembodiments, the airflow is configured to flow in a front to backdirection. In some embodiments, the top and bottom edges of thefaceplate 115 are beveled to provide further surface area for thecooling holes 112 to enable ventilation.

In some embodiments, a radiator is positioned in each of thewedge-shaped spaces between the cages 190 adjacent to the intersectionsbetween the middle plate 130 and the first and second side plates 120,140. In these embodiments, the PCB 117 does not extend into thewedge-shaped space.

In embodiments, each of the multiple plates 120, 130, 140 (first sideplate 120, middle plate 130, and second side plate 140) includes coolingholes 112 extending therethrough that allow air to pass through forcooling of the pluggable optics and the one or more circuits.

In some embodiments, the module 110 includes one or more handles 150protruding from the faceplate 115. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-12, the handles 150 are tabs extending from the faceplate 115 ator adjacent to the intersections between the middle plate 130 and thefirst and second side plates 120, 140. The handles 150 are adapted forpulling/pushing the modules 110 into/out of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the handles 150 are also adapted to receive labels for themodule 110. Other low-profile components can also be positioned at oradjacent to the intersections between the middle plate 130 and the firstand second side plates 120, 140, such as further labels, LCDs, and thelike.

Due to the configuration of the angled faceplate 115, there is moresurface area for the physical ports 114, 116, cooling holes 112, handles150, and the other low-profile components. The increased surface areafor cooling holes 112 can allow more cooling air to be passed throughthe faceplate 110 for cooling the pluggable optics and the one or morecircuits 111, 118.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, a length of the multiple plates 120, 130, 140can vary to accommodate different amounts of physical ports 114, 116 anddifferent configurations for the cooling holes 112. Thus, configurationswith longer first and second side plates 120, 140 have middle plates 130that protrude further than those with shorter first and second sideplates 120, 140. In embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5,modules with different lengths of the multiple plates 120, 130, 140 andwith different angles therebetween can be included in a single networkelement 100.

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of the network element 100 of FIG. 5with a sunken middle plate 130. FIG. 14 is a top perspective diagram ofthe module 110 for the network element 100 of FIG. 12. Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, in embodiments, a central flat portion of the middleplate 130, where the physical ports 114, 116 are located, is sunken intothe module 110 relative to inner ends of the first and second sideplates 120, 140. In these embodiments, the middle plate 130 includesstepped surfaces 135 at each side that extends out to the edges of thefirst and second side plates 120, 140. By so doing, the flat portion ofthe middle plate 130 is inset from the inner sides of the first andsecond side plates 120, 140. With this inset, the cages 190 of themiddle plate 130 are positioned closer to the one or more circuits 111,118 of the corresponding module 110.

In these embodiments, the handles 150 or other low-profile components ofthe module 110 are positioned on, embedded in, or protrude from thestepped surfaces 135.

As can be seen in FIG. 14, pluggable optics 180 are received in thephysical ports 114, 116. Due to the angles of the first and second sideplates 120, 140, the cables 185 of the pluggable optics can follow ashorter route to, and in cases of the pluggable optics 180 plugged intothe first and second side plates 120, 140, be closer to, theirdestinations. Furthermore, the middle plate 130 that is sunken into themodule 110 can also result in shorter routes for the cables 185. Byshortening the cabling routes, DAC cables may be used instead of themore expensive AECs, which can reduce the costs of the network element100.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective diagram of a module 10 for a flat faceplate15. FIG. 16 is a top perspective diagram of a module 110 with sideplates 120, 140 at a first angle relative to the middle plate 130. FIG.17 is a top perspective diagram of a module 110 with side plates 120,140 at a second angle relative to the middle plate 130. Referring toFIGS. 14-16, the shortest available track lengths 13 on the PCB 17 fromthe cages 90 at the sides 20 and 40 to the circuit 11 for a flatfaceplate 15 of FIG. 15 are longer than the shortest available tracklengths 113 from the cages 190 at the outer sides of the first andsecond side plates 120, 140 to the circuits 111 for the angledfaceplates 115 of FIGS. 16 and 17. Referring to FIG. 14, track lengthsfor the cages 190 at the middle plate 130 can also be reduced with themiddle plate 130 being sunken into the module 110. These reductions intrack lengths can remove or reduce the need for re-timers on the PCB117, which can reduce the cost of the module 110. Furthermore, theangled faceplate 115 can also reduce the size of the PCB 117, which canfurther reduce the costs associated with the module 110.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate cages 190 and the associated track lengths 113 tothe circuits 111. Also, embodiments may exclude the cages 190 and usefixed ports 114, 116 on the faceplate, i.e., optical ports integrated onthe PCB 117 instead of plugs in the cages 190. That is, the cages 190are presented for illustration purposes, and other physicalimplementations are contemplated with the angled faceplate.

Conventionally, the ports 114, 116 carried 10 Gbps or so in terms oftraffic, and the track lengths 13 were not an issue at these rates. Asis known in the art, the capacity of the ports 114, 116 (cages 190) isever-increasing to rates of 100 Gbps, 400 Gbps, 800 Gbps and more. Atthese rates, the track lengths 13 are problematic, for the sides 20, 40to the circuit 11 of the flat faceplate 15 (refer to FIG. 15). As such,the present disclosure advantageously reduces the shortest availabletrack lengths 113 from the cages 190 at the outer sides of the first andsecond side plates 120, 140. Based on the need to support high-speedsignals on the track lengths 113, the present disclosure contemplatesthe first and second side plates 120, 140 having angles of between about30 degrees and about 45 degrees relative to the middle plate 130. Inanother embodiment, the present disclosure contemplates the first andsecond side plates 120, 140 having an angle of about 45 degrees relativeto the middle plate 130. It has been determined such angles provide theproper track lengths 113 for high-speed signals (e.g., in excess of 100Gbps).

The network element 100 can also include common equipment, powerconnections, and a fiber manager. The common equipment is utilized forOperations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning (OAM&P)access; user interface ports; and the like. The network element 100 caninclude an interface for communicatively coupling the common equipmentand the modules 110 therebetween. For example, the interface can be abackplane, midplane, a bus, optical or electrical connectors, or thelike. The modules 110 are configured to provide ingress and egress tothe network element 100.

While the example embodiments herein disclose a faceplate with platesections including a middle plate 130, a first side plate 120, and asecond side plate 140, other embodiments are also contemplated herein.Those skilled in the art that the faceplate could have two sections,including a first side plate 120 and a second side plate 140 that cometogether with a triangular shape with a standard or a rounded edge atthe intersection thereof. Similarly, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the faceplate could have more than three sections, withthe first side plate 120 and the second side plate 140 being the outertwo sections thereof. All such embodiments are contemplated herein, suchas for reducing track lengths on the PCB and for reducing requiredlengths of the external cables.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the network element100 can include other components which are omitted for illustrationpurposes, and that the systems and methods described herein arecontemplated for use with a plurality of different network elements withthe network element 100 presented as an example type of network deviceor hardware platform. For the high-density network element 100, otherarchitectures providing ingress, egress, and switching therebetween arealso contemplated for the systems and methods described herein. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize the systems and methods can beused for practically any type of network device, which includes modules110 at a front thereof.

Also, the ports 114, 116 are referred to as fiber interface ports 114and client connection ports 116 for functional distinction, and each ofthese is generally just a port. In an embodiment, the fiber interfaceports 114 can be high-speed, high-bandwidth ports such as for lineconnections. Also, the fiber interface ports 114 can be used to supportoptical links to connect to other modules, such as when this is abackplane-less implementation, i.e., all ingress/egress is via thefaceplate. The client connection ports 116 are similarly ports, but maybe lower rate, lower-speed, lower-bandwidth relative to the fiberinterface ports 114. For example, just for illustration purposes, thefiber interface ports 114 may be 100-800 G or more, whereas the clientconnection ports 116 may be 10-200 G.

In some embodiments, the fiber interface ports 114 can be on the middleplate 130, thereby having less track lengths 113 to the one or morecircuits 111, and the client connection ports 116 can be on the firstside plate 120 and the second side plate 140, thereby having slightlylonger track lengths 113, relative to the fiber interface ports 114, butstill reduced from conventional implementations.

In another embodiment, it is possible for all of the ports 114, 116 tobe characterized as client connection ports. In this embodiment, thefunctionality of the fiber interface ports 114 can be replaced with abackplane.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate network elements supportvarious port configurations, all of which are contemplated with theangled faceplate described herein, for the purposes of reduction of thetrack lengths 113 to support higher-speed signals.

Again, while the faceplate is described as having a middle plate, afirst side plate, and a second side plate, these “plates” can beintegrally formed and can be different sides of the angled faceplate.

FIGS. 18-19 are top perspective diagrams of a module 110 with multiplecircuits 111 placed on the PCB 117. In FIG. 18, the circuits 111 areeach disposed behind the first side plate 120 and the second side plate140. Disadvantageously, the first side plate 120 and the second sideplate 140 have to be routed to both of the circuits 111, requiringrouting around circuits 111. This approach extends the track lengths113. FIG. 19 is a perspective diagram of a module 110 with multiplecircuits 111 placed on the PCB 117 that limits routing around circuits111. Here the circuits 111 are located from front-to-back on the PCB 117so that each of the track lengths 113 from the first side plate 120 andthe second side plate 140 do not overlap.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of the module 10 compared to the module 110illustrating the angled faceplates of the module 110 support shortercable distances. Specifically, the angles on the first side plate 120and the second side plate 140 reduce the overall cable length requiredfor all of the associated ports, resulting in significantly less cablelengths.

Another benefit of the angled faceplates includes more area on thefaceplate, which provides additional space for airflow, e.g., the holes112, and additional space for labeling, a display, Light Emitting Diodes(LEDs), etc. FIG. 21 is a diagram of the module 10 compared to themodule 110 illustrating the angled faceplates of the module 110 havingincreased surface area. For example, assuming a 1 Rack Unit (RU) module10, 110, in an embodiment, the 1RU module 10 can have a surface area onthe faceplate of about 5000 mm² and the 1RU module 110 can have asurface area on the faceplate of about 7800 mm² such that the angledfaceplate of the 1RU module 110 has more than 50% usable surface areathan the 1RU module 10.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments described herein mayinclude or utilize one or more generic or specialized processors (“oneor more processors”) such as microprocessors; Central Processing Units(CPUs); Digital Signal Processors (DSPs): customized processors such asNetwork Processors (NPs) or Network Processing Units (NPUs), GraphicsProcessing Units (GPUs), or the like; Field-Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs); and the like along with unique stored program instructions(including both software and firmware) for control thereof to implement,in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or allof the functions of the methods and/or systems described herein.Alternatively, some or all functions may be implemented by a statemachine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreApplication-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic or circuitry. Of course, a combination of theaforementioned approaches may be used. For some of the embodimentsdescribed herein, a corresponding device in hardware and optionally withsoftware, firmware, and a combination thereof can be referred to as“circuitry configured to,” “logic configured to,” etc. perform a set ofoperations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions,techniques, etc. on digital and/or analog signals as described hereinfor the various embodiments.

Moreover, some embodiments may include a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon forprogramming a computer, server, appliance, device, processor, circuit,etc. to perform functions as described and claimed herein. Examples ofsuch non-transitory computer-readable medium include, but are notlimited to, a hard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storagedevice, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), an ErasablePROM (EPROM), an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), Flash memory, and thelike. When stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium,software can include instructions executable by a processor or device(e.g., any type of programmable circuitry or logic) that, in response tosuch execution, cause a processor or the device to perform a set ofoperations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions,techniques, etc. as described herein for the various embodiments.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and describedherein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examplesthereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functionsand/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments andexamples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, arecontemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A module for a networking node, comprising aPrinted Circuit Board (“PCB”); one or more circuits mounted to the PCB;and a faceplate including a middle plate, a first side plate extendingfrom the middle plate at an obtuse angle relative to the middle platetowards a first side and back of the module, and a second side plateextending from the middle plate, opposite to the first side plate, at anobtuse angle relative to the middle plate towards a second side and theback of the module.
 2. The module of claim 1, wherein the faceplatefurther includes a plurality of physical ports in each of the first sideplate and the second side plate.
 3. The module of claim 2, wherein someor all of the plurality of physical ports support 100 Gbps or more inbandwidth.
 4. The module of claim 1, wherein the faceplate furtherincludes a plurality of physical ports in each of the middle plate, thefirst side plate, and the second side plate, and wherein the pluralityof physical ports in the middle plate are one of fiber interface portsand client connection ports, and the plurality of physical ports in atleast one of the first side plate and the second side plate are anotherof the fiber interface ports and the client connection ports.
 5. Themodule of claim 4, wherein the fiber interface ports support morebandwidth than the client connection ports.
 6. The module of claim 1,further comprising associated track lengths on the PCB between the oneor more circuits and the middle plate, the first side plate, and thesecond side plate.
 7. The module of claim 6, wherein the obtuse anglereduces the associated track lengths between at least one of i) thefirst side plate and the one or more circuits and ii) the second sideplate and the one or more circuits.
 8. The module of claim 1, whereinthe obtuse angle for each of the first side plate and the second sideplate relative to the middle plate is from about 130 degrees to 160degrees.
 9. The module of claim 1, wherein the middle portion includes aflat central portion including physical ports that is sunken into themodule relative to inner ends of the first side plate and the secondside plate, and the middle portion also includes stepped surfacesextending from the flat central portion respectively to the first sideportion and the second side portion.
 10. The module of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more handles extending from the faceplate.
 11. Themodule of claim 10, wherein the one or more handles are positioned at oradjacent to an intersection of the middle plate with at least one of thefirst side plate and the second side plate.
 12. A node for a network,comprising: a housing; and a plurality of modules, the plurality ofmodules including at least one module comprising a Printed Circuit Board(“PCB”), one or more circuits mounted to the PCB, and a faceplateincluding a middle plate, a first side plate extending from the middleplate at an obtuse angle relative to the middle plate towards a firstside and back of the platform module, and a second side plate extendingfrom the middle plate, opposite to the first side plate, at an obtuseangle relative to the middle plate towards a second side and the back ofthe module.
 13. The node of claim 12, wherein the faceplate furtherincludes a plurality of physical ports in each of the first side plateand the second side plate.
 14. The node of claim 12, wherein some or allof the plurality of physical ports support 100 Gbps or more inbandwidth.
 15. The node of claim 12, wherein the faceplate furtherincludes a plurality of physical ports in each of the middle plate, thefirst side plate, and the second side plate, and wherein the pluralityof physical ports in the middle plate are one of fiber interface portsand client connection ports, and the plurality of physical ports in atleast one of the first side plate and the second side plate are anotherof the fiber interface ports and the client connection ports.
 16. Thenode of claim 12, further comprising associated track lengths on the PCBbetween the one or more circuits and the middle plate, the first sideplate, and the second side plate.
 17. The node of claim 15, wherein theobtuse angle reduces the associated track lengths between i) the firstside plate and the one or more circuits and ii) the second side plateand the one or more circuits.
 18. The node of claim 12, wherein at leasttwo of the modules of the plurality of modules include the faceplate,and wherein at least one of a configuration of physical ports, aconfiguration of lengths of the middle plate, the first side plate, andthe second side plate, and a configuration of an angle between themiddle plate and the first side plate and an angle between the middleplate and the second side plate is different between the at least two ofthe modules.
 19. The node of claim 12, wherein at least two modules ofthe plurality of modules have a different shape for their associatedfaceplate.
 20. The node of claim 12, wherein a portion of surface areaof each of the first side plate and the second side plate is utilizedfor ventilation.